APC Condemns Alleged Role of Publicity Secretary in Kidnap, Killing of Ebonyi Monarch

APC Condemns Alleged Role of Publicity Secretary in Kidnap, Killing of Ebonyi Monarch

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted with deep shock and dismay after confirmed information linked one of its members — the party’s Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi State — to the abduction and later killing of HRH Francis Igwe, the father of former Ebonyi Deputy Governor Dr. Kelechi Igwe.

Reports indicate that the monarch, a respected traditional ruler from Ndufu‑Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area, was kidnapped on March 1, 2026, while on his way to church, before being killed roughly 24 hours after his abduction. Security sources say the suspects had demanded a ransom and were tracked through a bank account used for ransom transactions. Police have since arrested the APC Publicity Secretary, Simbad Victor Ogbuatu, along with eight other suspects connected to the crime. One suspect was reportedly killed during a gun battle with security operatives as they carried out the operation.

Addressing the monarch’s family on Saturday during a condolence visit in the Igwe family compound in Ikwo, the APC Chairman in Ebonyi, Chief Stanley Okoro‑Emegha, said the development had left the party leadership deeply stunned and saddened.

“The report is unheard of, and I do not have the confidence to face the public since the past two days,” Okoro‑Emegha said. “Members of the party cannot, in their entire lives, believe that the party can be associated with such an act.”

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He described members of the party as “a family,” saying that even in normal party activities, “someone can vouch for another,” and emphasised that the alleged crime has brought deep embarrassment to the APC.

Chief Okoro‑Emegha pledged the party’s support for any action taken by the state government and security agencies to ensure justice for the Igwe family. “The governor, as the father of the state and leader of the party, cannot tolerate such an evil act no matter who is involved,” he said. “We condemn whatever is condemnable — as whatever is evil is evil.”

He further admonished that anyone aware of the alleged crime who failed to disclose it should also face the consequences of their actions.

Addressing the grieving family, Okoro‑Emegha encouraged resilience, saying, “I also urge the family and entire community to be consoled, because the deputy governor needs your solace to be strong. The worst thing one can do against God is to take a life that you do not know how it was created.”

The Palace Secretary of Ndufu‑Alike community, Dr. Johnson Aloh, also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation to the APC for the visit and support. He described the incident as “earth‑shaking,” lamenting that such a tragedy had unfolded in Ebonyi State, which he said had built a reputation for peace and stability.

“We were devastated when we heard that the name of our dear party was soiled by the actions of an individual,” Aloh said. “We, however, have the discerning spirit to differentiate the act of an individual from that of the party, as we know that the party can never indulge in such an act.” He urged authorities to ensure that “bad eggs who want to tarnish the state’s image” are brought to justice.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has also condemned the killing as tragic, leading state officials in another visit to the monarch’s home and assuring that those responsible — including any fleeing suspects — will be apprehended and prosecuted. Police reported recovering a locally made firearm from some of the suspects during operations.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions in Ebonyi State and nationally, with calls for strengthened efforts to tackle kidnapping and violent crime, and for political actors to disassociate from criminality.

APC Condemns Alleged Role of Publicity Secretary in Kidnap, Killing of Ebonyi Monarch